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Día de los Muertos Ofrenda

Date: Fri, Oct 2, 2026

Time:

Venue: Duke Chapel, Durham

Price:

Category: Music

Honor the dead with Día de los Muertos Ofrenda, a Day of the Dead altar piece, at Duke Chapel. This year’s Día de los Muertos Ofrenda at Duke Chapel features newly commissioned artwork by Ricky Armendariz, a Texas-based artist whose work explores the blend of Mexican, American, and Indigenous cultures along the U.S.-Mexico border. A collaboration with Duke Arts, Say the Thing and the Innovation Co-Lab, the installation incorporates a series of original panel designs by Armendariz, engraved at the Co-Lab and added to this year’s Ofrenda.Now in its fourth year, the Ofrenda returns as part of Duke Chapel’s mission to bridge faith, learning, and community through art and shared remembrance. Visitors are invited to participate in this cherished Mexican tradition by contributing photographs, mementos, written tributes, or links to a communal paper chain honoring departed loved ones.Visit the Ofrenda on your own or join us for special events leading up to Día de los Muertos on November 1 and 2. Your participation helps weave a tapestry of memories and stories, honoring the enduring significance of this cherished tradition.

Music · Durham

Día de los Muertos Ofrenda

Bring a photocopied picture of a loved one to leave on the altar.

When
Oct 2
Fri, Oct 2, 2026
Where
Duke Chapel
Durham, NC
Ages
Check ages with the venue
Price
See details
durham

Día de los Muertos Ofrenda is a community Day of the Dead altar installation at Duke Chapel that blends art, faith, and remembrance. This year features newly commissioned panel designs by Texas-based artist Ricky Armendariz, created in collaboration with Duke Arts and the Innovation Co-Lab to explore Mexican, American, and Indigenous border cultures. If you plan to visit, the chapel is open to the public and viewing the altar is free. Children of all ages can participate by bringing their own photographs, small mementos, or written tributes to place on the altar, or by adding a link to the communal paper chain. Park in the Bryan Center Parking Garage on Duke's West Campus for the closest walk to the chapel entrance. This installation offers a quiet, reflective weekend activity where children can learn about cultural traditions through hands-on participation. It is a meaningful way to introduce the concept of honoring ancestors in a historic, beautiful local setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it free to visit the Duke Chapel Ofrenda?
Yes, visiting the chapel and viewing the altar is free to the public, though you will need to pay for campus parking.
Can children participate in the altar display?
Yes, children are welcome to contribute to the memorial by bringing photos of deceased loved ones, writing tributes, or adding to the paper chain.
Where is the best place to park for Duke Chapel?
The Bryan Center Parking Garage at 125 Science Drive offers the most convenient hourly parking for visitors.

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Plan Your Visit

Schedule

Día de los Muertos Ofrenda runs Fri, Oct 2, 2026.

Getting There

Duke Chapel is at 401 Chapel Dr, Durham, NC. Open in Google Maps.

More events at Duke Chapel

What to Bring

Admission is listed on the official page; otherwise, come as you are.

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